The first platform built for the commission economy
There’s an entire industry built around predatory lending, and it’s gross. Someone gets a little over their skis for whatever reason, and paycheck advance companies take aggressive advantage, to the tune of fees often 50% of the loan, with late fees stacked on top of it. Tongo created a platform to change all that, starting with one of the most entrepreneurial careermakers: Real Estate agents and brokers.
Although being paid fully around your own terms was the business concept, it was not the brand the founding team wanted. We went through a naming exercise, created the brand identity and style guide, their GTM campaign and a full assortment of trade show experiences and giveaways.
Since then, they now serve the largest residential brokerage in the US and are in a pilot with the largest brokerage in the US by transaction volume. One of our first partners, they’re on their third raise.
Completing our $8M raise this month, and expanding by $2M to support growth momentum revenue has grown by ~20% mo/mo through the first 5 months of 2025.
“The Paper Crane Factory team has been my creative/brand/design co-founders for three companies now. One lifestyle business, one fintech that became a unicorn, and the third, Tongo, is in-process. As we scale and grow, they're a strategic touchstone for me. They helped me name my companies, they help me design my pitch decks, advise on my marketing/design hires, and come through in a pinch when I need something extra. Not even sure how many 15 minute, “I-have-a-quick-question-for-you” phone calls we’ve had. I introduce them to each founder I can.”
-Brandon Wright
Founder and CEO
Tongo (Exit, KPLT:NASDAQ)
